As a 'PS" to our discussion on this topic, I have made a decision to purchase a 26.5MM flare pistol and
26.5MM flares.

Here's my reasoning:

1. The Orion MM flare gun can only fire the Orion 25MM red ariels or, with an insert, the anemic 12MM
flares because 25MM parachute flares are no longer sold. In contrast to this, 26.5 flares MUCH cheaper
($35 for 10 rounds for most kinds @ ammunition.to.go.com) and offer more choices. There are two
kinds of 26.5 red distress flares (red single star and red rain), a WHITE parachute flare [yes, I know
this is an illuminating flare rather than intended as a distress flare; $40 for 10!], and orange
smoke flares. There are also blue and green flares but I'm thinking they would be confusing signals
and shouldn't be used as distress flares. (Btw, the 26.5 guns can also fire the 25MM flares 'as is' and
-f you want - 12MM flares with an insert).

2. There is more choice for flare pistols and high quality products can be purchased for much less
cost than the Orion 25MM gun. I especially like the design of the German-made H&K pistol. It's
supposed to be the lightest and the simplist design - and it's made by one of the best-known
manufacturers of guns in Germany. Geco flare guns, also German, are also a good choice and can
be obtained rather cheaply. It's claimed that they are very strongly built but there are more
moving parts and it is a more complicaterd design than the H&K. A cool-looking Polish flare pistol,
similar in design to Soviet flare pistols, is also available for a reasonable price but it doesn't have
a trigger guard and that's a deal-breaker for me. All of these products appear to be much smore
solidly built than the Orion gun.

3. Frankly, I don't have a lot of faith in Orion products .

4. Apprearance. Compare the Orion 25MM to any of the 26.5MM guns and you tell me.

Of course the 26.5 flares aren't USCG approved (they are Czech made) but that's no big deal - just make sure
you have the required USCG approved signals aboard. (As already explained, I have lots of other
flares including SOLAS flares and a 12mm gun, etc.)

As a final thought, I think it's worthwhile noting that the SOLAS flares, especially the red parachutes, are quite
bulky and relatively heavy. This is an important consideration for the ditch bag since you'll have to have lots
of other gear in that and some thought has to be given to keeping the total weight of the loaded bag down
and having enough room for all the necessary gear.

Haven't ordered the pistol yet, though. Waiting for a good deal.

Jerry